Here's how you can get rid of stained teeth

Q. I hate the look of my stained teeth. How do I get white teeth?

A. This is something I get asked on a regular basis by patients and even my friends and family, too. We all want that perfect white smile and some people are prepared to go to any lengths in order to get it.

If your teeth are stained, it will be due to one of the three common types of tooth discolouration – extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains, or age-related discolouration.

Teeth whitening can be done in two ways – one is done by removing tooth stains on the outside layer of the tooth and below the enamel. The second is by preventing stains from generating – which can be done by bleaching, stain protection and removal.

Removing stains from the outer layer of your teeth utilises both physical and chemical actions. These actions disrupt and get rid of the stains on the outer layer and bring out the brightness on your teeth.

In order to remove any intrinsic stains the surface of the teeth needs to be bleached. The chemical process involved removes the colour by oxidising the stain molecules. The dentist applies a bleaching gel directly onto your teeth and may use a laser or another device to speed the process up which takes up to one hour.

Usually you can see results after just one treatment but you may be required to visit the dentist for follow-up treatments. Laser whitening and bleaching can be quite expensive, but provided you take care of your teeth, they should last for several years.

Follow the correct oral hygiene routines to make sure your teeth are at less risk from symptoms of extrinsic stains. As well as brushing every morning and every night, brushing after every meal can help to prevent stains. Make sure you rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee or wine and other foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

For more information about dental issues, contact Synergy Dental Clinics Blackburn, email blackburn@synergydental.org.uk or go to synergydental.org.uk/dentist-in-blackburn